7 Hacks That Will Save You Tons on Your Monthly Electric Bill

Do you know anyone who doesn’t like saving money? No matter how much money you make, or how set your finances are, it never hurts to save some money on your electric bill. And the more you save, the better off our environment will be. Here are 10 hacks that will save you some money on your power bill this year.

1. Wash in Cold, Line Dry

Washing all your clothes in cold water will save energy because you don’t have to heat up all that water. And did you know that drying 4 loads of laundry in an electric dryer per week will cost you about $110 per year? Try line drying instead. What would you rather do with that money?

2. Identify Power Suckers

Appliances with displays that are always on (even if asleep), use a remote, or have external power supplies will drain energy even if turned off. A plasma TV, for example, will drain up to $150 from your budget every year, even if it’s turned off. Use a power strip where you can turn off multiple things at once. A power strip will help you turn off those “phantom” power drainers.

3. Motion-Activated Outlets and Switches

Motion-activated outlets and switches can help you stay safe, operating things like irons and hair straighteners only when you’re in the room. Lights can be set to automatically turn off after you leave.

4. Go LED

LED bulbs are more expensive up front, but they’ll save you over the long run. They’ll last 25,000 hours (nearly 23 years if they’re on 3 hours per day), and only cost you $30 to run for the current average lifespan (versus $180 for a regular incandescent bulb).

5. Cool Your Jets

Well, at least your water heater. If you want to save money, adjust the heat on your water heater down by a few degrees. Turn it down to 120 degrees, and you’ll save 6-10% on those costs in a year.

6. Fill the Fridge

Your refrigerator is a power hog. But did you know that a full one will cost less to run? Also, vacuum your coils in the back about twice a year to help it operate more efficiently.

7. Use the Microwave or Toaster Oven

If you can, use your microwave or toaster oven at every opportunity to cook. By using your microwave instead of your oven 4 times per week, you’ll save $20 per year. Also, if you’re boiling water on an electric stove, you’ll use more power than if you bought an inexpensive electric kettle and used that instead.